Malaria is a severe and sometimes incurable disease triggered by a specific mosquito (Anopheles mosquitos) that infects humans by feeding on them. Although in the early 1950s malaria was eliminated from the United States of America, there have still been 1500-2000 reported cases of malaria every year. Malaria, worldwide though, is a more important issue; about 3.4 billion people live at a risk of malaria (usually third world countries with poor hygiene or travelers that come back from visiting these countries). The disease is a result of a type of microscopic parasite that is transferred thru mosquito bites, infecting red blood cells. [2] The transmission cycle of malaria is detailed in the figure below. Other ways people can catch malaria through exposure to infected blood are blood transfusions, sharing needles, pregnancy, etc. Certain population groups, including children, pregnant women, non-immune travelers, and people with HIV/AIDS, are more vulnerable to malaria, along with residents of third world countries. Lastly, high temperatures (above 20º C) are necessary to allow the mosquito to complete their growth cycle; as a result, malaria is prominently found in tropical, warmer areas. Malaria triggers high fevers, headaches, chills, fatigue, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms. [3] References:
Adelman, Zach N. Genetic Control of malaria and dengue. London: Academic Press is an imprint of Elsevier. 2015
“The Ethiopian Campaign: Malaria” Chip Taylor Communications. 2003.
Target Information:
erythrocytes/red blood cells of the plasmodium parasite
Size oftarget:6-8 μm Location: found inside bones, particularly in bone marrow
Function in a normal cell
stores hemoglobin, which is vital to human body
binds to oxygen or carbon dioxide and helps transport hormones and nutrients throughout the body
hemoglobin colors our blood red
Drug Information:
Schematic figure of drug
Formula: C17H16F6N2O
Molecular weight: 378.312 g/mol
CAS Number: 53230-10-7 Delivery method: through the mouth by tablets (occasionally through injection) Side effects: sudden headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, and more
Other names: antimalarial Maker or company: Larium Is it patented? Yes Clinical Trials Info: There have been many clinical trials that involve Mefloquine and malaria. In particular, there were 40 trials found.
Origin:
Alternatives to this drug: Quinine and Chloroquine
Disease/Drug of interest || Malaria/Mefloquine
Motivation and Background
Malaria is a severe and sometimes incurable disease triggered by a specific mosquito (Anopheles mosquitos) that infects humans by feeding on them. Although in the early 1950s malaria was eliminated from the United States of America, there have still been 1500-2000 reported cases of malaria every year. Malaria, worldwide though, is a more important issue; about 3.4 billion people live at a risk of malaria (usually third world countries with poor hygiene or travelers that come back from visiting these countries). The disease is a result of a type of microscopic parasite that is transferred thru mosquito bites, infecting red blood cells. [2] The transmission cycle of malaria is detailed in the figure below. Other ways people can catch malaria through exposure to infected blood are blood transfusions, sharing needles, pregnancy, etc. Certain population groups, including children, pregnant women, non-immune travelers, and people with HIV/AIDS, are more vulnerable to malaria, along with residents of third world countries. Lastly, high temperatures (above 20º C) are necessary to allow the mosquito to complete their growth cycle; as a result, malaria is prominently found in tropical, warmer areas. Malaria triggers high fevers, headaches, chills, fatigue, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms. [3]References:
Target Information:
erythrocytes/red blood cells of the plasmodium parasite
Size of target: 6-8 μm
Location: found inside bones, particularly in bone marrow
Function in a normal cell
Drug Information:
Schematic figure of drug
Formula: C17H16F6N2O
Molecular weight: 378.312 g/mol
CAS Number: 53230-10-7
Delivery method: through the mouth by tablets (occasionally through injection)
Side effects: sudden headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, and more
Other names: antimalarial
Maker or company: Larium
Is it patented? Yes
Clinical Trials Info:
There have been many clinical trials that involve Mefloquine and malaria. In particular, there were 40 trials found.
Origin:
Alternatives to this drug: Quinine and Chloroquine